Get your Viagra, Liptor free – Pfizer respond to recession

Pfizer Inc, world’s largest pharmaceutical group unveiled a program designed to respond to the sharp economic crisis by offering more than 70 of its most widely prescribed drugs, including Lipitor and Viagra for free to the US patients for up to one year, who have lost their jobs and health insurance.

Pfizer said the idea for the program came just five weeks ago at a leadership training meeting from discussions on affect on affordability of drugs due to increasing unemployment rate. Dr. Jorge Puente,

Pfizer’s head of pharmaceuticals outside the U.S. and Europe said he urged top management to approve the program. He presented a recent Associated Press article regarding serious complications in newly uninsured diabetic patients as they can no longer afford the medicines and testing supplies. Approval came quickly in the form of MAINTAIN program.

What is the Pfizer’s MAINTAIN program?

MAINTAIN, is an acronym for “Medicines Assistance for Those who Are in Need”. Enrollment and acceptance in the MAINTAIN program will offer company’s more than 70 primary care prescription drugs without any charge for one year to Americans. Drugs covered in the program include several diabetic drugs, cholesterol fighter Lipitor, painkiller Celebrex, fibromyalgia treatment Lyrica and Viagra for impotence. Also included are some antibiotics, antidepressants, heart medications, contraceptives and smoking cessation products. List of free drugs distributed through the MAINTAIN program is available online and can be accessed through Pfizer website www.PfizerHelpfulAnswer.com, after feeding in the required information.

What are the eligibility criteria for free prescription medication under the Pfizer’s MAINTAIN program?

You are eligible to receive free prescription medication under the Pfizer’s MAINTAIN program if:

0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">You have lost your job on or after 01 January 2009.

You have been taking a Pfizer medication for at least 3 months prior to losing your job.

You have no health insurance.

You are able to attest to financial hardship.

There are no income guidelines to qualify for enrollment in this program.

How to apply for MAINTAIN program?

Eligible candidates can call a toll-free number, 1-866-706-2400 and sign up before June 1 to have an application mailed to them. After June 1, the application will be made available online for download through following link www.PfizerHelpfulAnswer.com. Applications will be processed in 2-3 weeks and if accepted, free prescription medications will be mailed directly to qualified individuals at their home or registered address for up to 12 months or until the person becomes insured again. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 31.

What if my medication is not covered under MAINTAIN program?

If your drug is not included in the MAINTAIN program, you will be referred to Pfizer’s other aid programs. Pfizer website lists 7 other prescription drug assistance programs, along with prescription drug savings resources. These programs can be accessed through following link www.PfizerHelpfulAnswer.com.